Improvement in shuttles for sewing-machines



UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

GEORGE REHFUSS, 0E PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, AssIGNoE To THE AMEEIcAN BUTTON-HOLE OVERSEAMING AND SEWING-MACHINE 00M- PANY, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN SHUTTLES F OR SEWING-MACHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 139,421, dated May 27, 1873; application filed March 11, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE REHFUss, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invented an Improved Shuttle, of which the following is a specification:

The objects of my invention are to enable a sewing-machine shuttle to be threaded and unthreaded with greater facility than usual, to obtain a tension upon the thread, and to regulate such tension.

I accomplish these objects by passing the bobbin-thread as through slits a and b formed in a transverse partition, d, of the shuttle-case, and in the side of the latter, as shown in the face view, Fig. 1, edge view, Fig. 2, and transverse section, Fig. 3, of the accompanying drawing, instead of passing it through holes, as usual, the disengagement of the thread being prevented by the inclination of the slit a and by a tongue, e, of the bobbin-retaining plate, which closes the mouth of the slit 1) and I obtain the required tension by the use of an elliptic spring, D, the pressure of which against the thread passing between the same and the partition 01 is regulated by the adjustment of a nut, h, on a screw-spindle, 11, as best observed in the enlarged section, Fig. 4, and perspective view, Fig. 5. The

shuttle is of the same general shape as those in common use, it being recessed for the reception of the tension devices, and having an enlargement at its rear end for the reception of the bobbin k, which is retained in place, as usual, by a spring-plate, m, hinged to the shuttle-case at n. A partition, d, extends transversely across the shuttle-case adjacent to the bobbin, and in the upper edge of the same, close to one side, is cut an inclined slit, to, for the passage of the thread, .90, which is drawn between the said partition and an elliptic. tension-spring, D, toward and through a slit, 7), in the side of the shuttle-case, the inclination of the slit at preventing the disengagement of the thread from the partition,

' and the retention of the said thread within the slit I), being insured bya tongue or lug, e, of the plate m, which covers the entrance to the said slit, as plainly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The tension-spring, D, is of the peculiar shape best observed in the enlarged section, Fig. 4, and perspective view, Fig. 5. It is adapted to the space within the shuttle-case between the partition d and a screw-spindle, i, and' is retained in position by a pin, 11, of the partition, which extends into a hole, 11 in the said spring, or the latter may be provided with a pin adapted to a hole in the partition.

The portion, 8, of the spring which bears against the thread is rounded, as shown, to prevent undue friction and abrasion of the thread, and a tongue, t, on this .portion of the spring serves as a guide to direct the thread to its proper position in threading the shuttle. The tension of the thread can be regulated to a nicety by simply turning the screw-spindle i, which will cause a nut, h, on the same to be moved in one direction or the other, and to thus compress or relieve the spring, according as it is required to increase or lessen the tension. In threading the shuttle the operator simply holds the same with the bobbin, between the thumb and finger of one hand, and with the other draws the thread into the inclined slit, a, between the spring and partition, and through the slit 1), the

retaining-plate m beingthen closed to prevent disengagement of the thread and bobbin,

and in unthreadin g the shuttle the operation is simply reversed, after lifting the retainingplate, the tedious manipulation required in passing the thread through holes, as in ordinary shuttles, being entirely avoided. O wing to the peculiar elliptical or rounded form of the tension-spring and to the method of securing the same in place, it is capable of rocking or yielding sufficiently to permit the passage past the same of knots, when they occur in the thread.

I claim as my invention- 1. The hinged plate m adapted to cover the side opening of the shuttle and confine the bobbin, when provided with the lip e to overlap and partly close the recess b in the shuttle case, as specified.

2. The elliptic tension-springD, constructed substantially as described, and adapted for attachment to a shuttle, as set forth.

3. The shuttle-case having a recessed par tition, d, and a spring, I), constructed sub- In testimony whereof I have signed :my stantieliyasdes'eribed, arranged andoperating name to this specification in the presence of in connection with the partition, as described. two subscribing witnesses.

4, The combination, with the spring D, of GEO. REHFUSS. the screw-spindle i and nut h,-0r equivalent Witnesses:

devices, for regulating the pressure of the WM. A. STEEL,

spring against the partition d. HUBER'I HOWSON. r 

